As a passenger, if you are involved in a bus accident it is important to follow these steps to protect your rights:

• File a report with local law enforcement
• Obtain detailed accounts of the incident from other passengers involved in the crash as well as any witnesses.
• Document the damages to the bus and other vehicles or property.
• Evaluate yourself for injuries and seek medical treatment if necessary. Keep copies of all medical records pertaining to injuries related to the bus collision.

However, in cases where there are moderate to severe injuries — or if you have incurred any significant financial losses, such as missed wages due to absences from work — hiring an experienced Augusta auto accident lawyer could make all the difference.

Insurance companies want to make your claim go away as quickly as possible and for as little money as possible. By hiring an attorney, you send a message to them: you are serious about your claim, and you are demanding the money you deserve.

The right lawyer can help the insurance company realize that you aren’t going to back down and that giving you a fair settlement is in their best interest.

So while the law in our state does not require you to hire a lawyer, doing so may be the best decision you could make. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a lawyer tend to recover more money than those who do not.